Coarctation of the Aorta: Its Importance for Pediatricians and Cardiologists

Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital defect that affects 5-8% of live births, with different degrees of severity. It may remain unnoticed throughout childhood or, in contrast, progress to heart failure and cardiogenic shock.^– The most common location for coarctation of the aorta is near the ductal remnant and left subclavian artery.

The main clinical signs of coarctation of the aorta are heart murmur, diminished pulses in lower extremities, arterial hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy. It is commonly associated with a bicuspid aortic valve. In adults, in addition to hypertension with increased systemic vascular resistance, retinal arteriolar abnormality and lower extremity claudication may also occur.

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